If you're looking for a road trip adventure through the vast and beautiful West Texas, look no further than a journey from Dallas with Texas Shuttle. This road trip will get you through a few of Lone Star State's most stunning landscapes and fascinating cities, with plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration. Here's a guide to the best West Texas road trip stops with Texas Shuttle.
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Lubbock: A Cultural Hub in the Heart of West Texas
Start your journey in Lubbock, a city known for its thriving arts and culture scene. Visit the Buddy Holly Center to learn about the life and legacy of the legendary rock 'n' roll musician, or explore the Texas Tech University campus to discover public art installations and museums dedicated to science, history, and the arts.
Amarillo: From Historic Route 66 to the Palo Duro Canyon
Next, head west to Amarillo, where you can detour along the historic Route 66 and visit the iconic Cadillac Ranch, a public art installation featuring a row of brightly painted vintage Cadillacs. Route 66 attractions Then, venture south to the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, where you can bike, hike, or ride horseback through the United States' second-largest canyon.
Marfa: A Quirky Artistic Oasis in the West Texas Desert
Continue your journey to Marfa, a small town in the West Texas desert that has become a hub for contemporary art and culture. Visit the Chinati Foundation to see large-scale art installations by Donald Judd and other artists, or take a stroll through the town's many art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
El Paso: A Gateway to the Mexican Border
Finally, arrive in El Paso, a city on the western edge of Texas and the border with Mexico. Explore the city's rich history and culture at the El Paso Museum of Art or the Magoffin Home State Historic Site, or take a day trip across the border to Ciudad Juarez to experience Mexican food, music, and art. El Paso border crossings
With its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique attractions, a road trip through West Texas is a must-do adventure for any traveler. And with Texas Shuttle, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride without worrying about the hassle of driving or navigating. Book your West Texas road trip with Texas Shuttle today and discover all the hidden gems this incredible region offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some must-visit attractions in Lubbock?
Visit the Buddy Holly Center to learn about Buddy Holly's life and legacy, or explore Texas Tech University for public art installations and museums.
How can I experience Route 66 in Amarillo?
Detour along historic Route 66 and visit the iconic Cadillac Ranch, featuring a row of brightly painted vintage Cadillacs.
What kind of art can I see in Marfa?
Visit the Chinati Foundation to see large-scale installations by Donald Judd and other artists, or explore Marfa's many galleries and boutiques.
Are there any fun activities at Palo Duro Canyon State Park?
Yes, you can bike, hike, or ride horseback through the United States' second-largest canyon.
More Best Things to Do in West Texas: Hidden Gems Beyond the Big Cities
The four cities above are just the beginning. Some of the very best of West Texas lies between them — in state parks, ghost towns, and along two-lane highways where the Chihuahuan Desert stretches to the horizon. Add these stops to your itinerary and you'll see why travel writers keep calling this region Texas' most underrated.
Hike Guadalupe Peak, the Top of Texas
If you only do one strenuous hike in Texas, make it this one. The 8.4 mile Guadalupe Peak Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the most popular hiking trails in Texas, climbing to the highest point in the state. Most hikers treat it as a full-day commitment, so pack more water than you think you need, start early, and check park conditions before you go. The park sits along U.S. Highway 62/180, roughly halfway between El Paso and the Midland–Odessa area, making it a natural add-on if El Paso is your final shuttle stop.
Go Stargazing at the McDonald Observatory
One of the most picturesque things you can do in West Texas is go stargazing at the McDonald Observatory, operated by The University of Texas near Fort Davis on State Highway 118. The region's famously dark skies make it one of the best places in the country to see the Milky Way with the naked eye, and the observatory's public star parties are a favorite with families and photographers alike.
Explore the Davis Mountains and Fort Davis
While you're in the area, Davis Mountains State Park is one of the most scenic and popular attractions in West Texas, with scenic drives and hiking trails through rugged mountain terrain. Just down the road, Fort Davis National Historic Site is one of the best-preserved frontier military posts in the United States, offering a fascinating look at life on the 19th-century frontier.
Wander the Ghost Town of Terlingua
Terlingua, near the western edge of Big Bend National Park, was founded in the early 1900s and soon became a booming community for mining mercury. However, the mines were abandoned by the late 1940s due to falling prices and demand, and today the weathered ruins, historic cemetery, and famous chili tradition draw road-trippers from all over the world. It's an easy detour off TX-118 or FM-170 — one of the most scenic drives in the state.
Stop at the Pecos River High Bridge
Spanning the Pecos River in Val Verde County, this towering bridge is an iconic landmark along Hwy 90. With its soaring height of approximately 273 feet (83 meters) and a length of 1,310 feet (400 meters), it ranks as one of the highest highway bridges in Texas, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert, according to Enchanting Texas. There are designated overlooks, so slow down and take it in.
Visit the Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso
Back in El Paso, history buffs shouldn't miss the Chamizal National Memorial. The monument commemorates the peaceful resolution of a 100-year border dispute between the United States and Mexico, and it doubles as a cultural center honoring the shared heritage of both nations — a meaningful bookend to any border-region trip.
Best Time to Plan a West Texas Trip
West Texas spans deserts and mountains, so timing matters. Spring (March through May) and fall (October through November) generally offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking Palo Duro Canyon, exploring Big Bend Country, and stargazing at the McDonald Observatory. Summer can be extremely hot at lower elevations — plan outdoor activity for early morning if you travel then. Winter brings crisp, clear skies ideal for photography, though mountain areas like Fort Davis can see cold nights. Whatever season you choose, book transportation and park lodging well in advance, because popular dates fill quickly.
Best Places to Live in West Texas: Our Comparison
A road trip is also a great way to scout a future move. The best of West Texas isn't just for visitors — the region includes several of the state's most livable and affordable cities. Below is a side-by-side look at five standout communities, with figures as reported by Strategistico's 2026 ranking of the best places to live in West Texas.
| City | Approx. Population | Cost of Living vs. Amarillo also deserves a mention for outdoors lovers: residents there can reach Palo Duro Canyon State Park in about 30 minutes from downtown and hike the second-largest canyon in the nation.
For travelers, these cities double as great shuttle hubs. Texas Shuttle serves routes across the region, including Dallas to Lubbock, Dallas to Midland, Dallas to Amarillo, and Dallas to El Paso, so you can explore before deciding where to put down roots. Planning Your West Texas Trip: Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best of West TexasWhat are the best things to do in West Texas?Top experiences include hiking the 8.4-mile Guadalupe Peak Trail, stargazing at the McDonald Observatory, exploring Palo Duro Canyon State Park, visiting the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, seeing Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, and touring Fort Davis National Historic Site. What is the best time of year to visit West Texas?Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and sightseeing. Summer can be very hot in the desert, and mountain areas can get cold at night in winter. What are the best places to live in West Texas?According to Strategistico's 2026 ranking, El Paso, Lubbock, Midland, Del Rio, and Andrews are among the best, thanks to below-average cost of living, affordable homes, and strong job markets. Is West Texas worth visiting for the national and state parks?Absolutely. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Davis Mountains State Park, and Big Bend Country rank among the most scenic landscapes in the United States. How do I get to West Texas without a long drive?Texas Shuttle offers comfortable shuttle service from the Dallas area to major West Texas cities including Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, and El Paso, so you can skip the highway miles and enjoy the scenery. What is Terlingua known for?Terlingua was a mercury-mining boomtown founded in the early 1900s; after the mines were abandoned by the late 1940s, it became a famous ghost town and gateway to Big Bend National Park. Updated for 2026 to include the latest attractions, park information, and livability data for West Texas. Spread the Word by Sharing This Article on Social Media:Topics: Airport Shuttle, Shuttle Service, Texas, Restaurants, Dallas Texas, Roadtrip, Fort Worth Texas, San Antonio TX Shuttle Location, Phone and Hours
320 Decker Dr. Suite 100 Irving, TX 75062 Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm CST Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm CST You can also book online 24/7 Texas Shuttle from DFW International Airport in TexasDoor to Door, Any Address, Non-Stop on Your Schedule, #1 Shuttle and Car Service from DFW International Airport in Dallas Fort Worth |
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